Abstract: A distributed navigation system includes navigation platforms, each having a universal navigation processor, relative navigation systems to provide source information to the navigation platforms, navigation filters provided on one or more of the universal navigation processors, and an anchor navigation node disposed on one or more of the navigation platforms to form one or more anchor navigation platforms. Each anchor navigation node includes an inertial navigation system, a clock, and absolute navigation systems, which are used, in combination with source information, to determine navigation information. The anchor navigation platforms provide the navigation information to other navigation platforms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes an activation member that is operable to move in a first direction to select a mode of operation. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade that is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation member is operable to move in a second direction to activate the end effector in a mode of operation selected by movement of the activation member in the first direction.

Abstract: A vertical gallium nitride (GaN) PN diode uses epitaxial growth of a thick drift region with a very low carrier concentration and a carefully designed multi-zone junction termination extension to achieve high voltage blocking and high-power efficiency. An exemplary large area (1 mm2) diode had a forward pulsed current of 3.5 A, an 8.3 m?-cm2 specific on-resistance, and a 5.3 kV reverse breakdown. A smaller area diode (0.063 mm2) was capable of 6.4 kV breakdown with a specific on-resistance of 10.2 m?-cm2, when accounting for current spreading through the drift region at a 45° angle.

Abstract: A tire comprising a plurality of tread blocks. At least one tread block includes one or more piers for stiffening the tread blocks while allowing normal lateral (tangential) or circumferential strain for normal braking and motive traction. The piers can extend the entire length dimension of the tread block or portions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical composition comprising meloxicam for the treatment of acute pain, wherein the composition comprises at least a hydrophilic polymer and one or more alkalizing agents or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Oral solid pharmaceutical compositions containing meloxicam co-crystals described herein allow for the use of meloxicam for the treatment of acute pain. In particular, the improved dissolution and bioavailability of the meloxicam co-crystal compositions provide more rapid uptake of meloxicam in vivo as evidenced by increase blood plasma concentrations in a decreased amount of time following administration. A correlation between improved plasma concentrations and in vivo analgesic action are provided for the first time.

Abstract: The solubility and bioavailability properties of meloxicam can be improved by preparing compositions of meloxicam co-crystals and reducing the particle size of (e.g., “nanosizing”) co-crystals. Such compositions with improved dissolution pharmacokinetic properties can be prepared by granulation and blending the co-crystals with extragranular excipients to provide oral solid dosage forms. As a result of the improved properties of the meloxicam oral dosage forms, the compositions may be useful for the treatment of pain, including acute pain.

Abstract: A tire comprising a plurality of tread blocks. At least one tread block includes one or more piers for stiffening the tread blocks while allowing normal lateral (tangential) or circumferential strain for normal braking and motive traction.

Abstract: A quarter panel is configured for use with a vehicle having a forward end, a wheel, and a vertical surface located forward of the wheel. The quarter fender assembly includes a quarter fender in the form of an arcuate panel. The quarter panel is sized and configured to be mounted to the vehicle between the wheel and the vertical surface. The quarter panel assembly further includes a flexible flap mounted to an upper portion of the quarter fender. The flap has an at least partially arcuate forward surface.

Abstract: Drag reducing systems for vehicles are provided. In one aspect, a drag reducing system generally includes an airfoil rotatably couplable to the vehicle and configured to provide a lift force to the vehicle as a result of differential airflow velocity over the upper surface with respect to the lower surface. The drag reducing system may further include a flow alignment vane to rotationally align the airfoil to the direction of airflow. In another aspect, a drag reducing system generally includes an air vane hingedly couplable to a surface of a vehicle and configured to rotate from a first stowed position to a second deployed position. The air vane includes a flared leading portion to provide a force to bias the air vane toward the first position and a flared lateral portion to provide a force to rotate the air vane to the second deployed position.

Abstract: A tire comprising a plurality of tread blocks. At least one tread block includes one or more piers for stiffening the tread blocks while allowing normal lateral (tangential) or circumferential strain for normal braking and motive traction. The piers can extend the entire length dimension of the tread block or portions thereof.

Abstract: Drag reducing systems for vehicles are provided. In one aspect, a drag reducing system generally includes a flow restricting deflector couplable to a mount and positioned upstream in a path of airflow to an object. The flow restricting deflector generally includes a body portion and a plurality of flow choking orifices configured to provide a choked airflow condition. In another aspect, the drag reducing system is configured for positioning adjacent a wheel and tire combination of a vehicle upstream in a path of airflow to the wheel and tire combination. The flow restricting deflector may be coupled to and extending downward from a splash shield adjacent the wheel and tire combination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inflating a tire to an operating pressure that is above a cold inflation tire pressure are provided. More specifically, the system may include a tire pressure sensor coupled to a vehicle tire, a compressor configured to provide compressed air to the vehicle tire, a valve between the compressor and the vehicle tire; and a controller configured to: access a tire parameter associated with the vehicle tire, receive a tire pressure of the vehicle tire from the tire pressure sensor, and when then tire pressure received from the tire pressure is less than an operating tire pressure that is based on the accessed tire parameter, cause the valve to pass pressurized air from the compressor to the vehicle tire, wherein the operating tire pressure is greater than a cold inflation tire pressure of the vehicle tire.

Abstract: A disclosed lift axle is suitable for a vehicle that has a first wheel for supporting the vehicle on a road surface. The lift axle system includes a lift mechanism that is coupled to the vehicle and is configured to reciprocate an axle between a stowed position and deployed position. The lift axle system further includes a second wheel coupled to the axle. The second wheel engages the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the deployed position, and the second wheel is disengaged from the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the stowed position. The second wheel has a lower rolling resistance than the first wheel.

Abstract: An aerodynamic control system for a ground vehicle comprises a LiDAR module including at least one LiDAR sensor configured to obtain wind data upstream of the ground vehicle; a computing device; an aerodynamic device controller; and an aerodynamic device including a control surface. The computing device is configured to receive the wind data from the LiDAR module and generate output signals based on the wind data. The aerodynamic device controller is configured to receive the output signals from the computing device and generate control signals to control the aerodynamic device to adjust aerodynamic properties of the ground vehicle based at least in part the wind data. Changes to the configuration of the control surface may include increasing or decreasing a deflection angle of the at least one aerodynamic device. The aerodynamic device may include, e.g., a pneumatically actuated aerodynamic device or an electro-mechanically actuated aerodynamic device.

Abstract: A disclosed lift axle is suitable for a vehicle that has a first wheel for supporting the vehicle on a road surface. The lift axle system includes a lift mechanism that is coupled to the vehicle and is configured to reciprocate an axle between a stowed position and deployed position. The lift axle system further includes a second wheel coupled to the axle. The second wheel engages the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the deployed position, and the second wheel is disengaged from the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the stowed position. The second wheel has a lower rolling resistance than the first wheel.

Abstract: A disclosed lift axle is suitable for a vehicle that has a first wheel for supporting the vehicle on a road surface. The lift axle system includes a lift mechanism that is coupled to the vehicle and is configured to reciprocate an axle between a stowed position and deployed position. The lift axle system further includes a second wheel coupled to the axle. The second wheel engages the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the deployed position, and the second wheel is disengaged from the road surface when the lift mechanism is in the stowed position. The second wheel has a lower rolling resistance than the first wheel.